Q:
What Is a Petrified Rock?
A:
Quick Answer
While there's no such thing as petrified rock, petrified wood is fossilized wood. According to YourGemologist, there is no wood actually left in petrified wood, only rock that takes the same form and shape of the wood.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Pius Mahimbi
Flickr
CC-BY-2.0
Full Answer
Petrification typically takes millions of years. Normally, trees decompose, but when a tree lands in a swamp or is otherwise covered up, decomposition is halted. The cells within the tree are hollowed out, and mineral-rich water seeps in. As the water evaporates, the minerals are left behind, creating a copy of what was there. It is possible to see growth rings in well-preserved samples.
Learn more about GeologyRelated Questions
-
Q:
Where Can You Find a Free Online Rock Cycle Diagram for Kids?
A: Kids Geo has an interactive image that allows visitors to use the mouse to highlight the various parts of the rock cycle. Rocks In A Hard Place has a diagr... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Causes Folding in Rocks?
A: Pressure causes folding in rock. There are three types of folds: anticline, monocline and syncline. Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Do You Identify Types of Rocks?
A: To identify a rock, it is necessary to consider its luster, color, hardness, cleavage and density. The geographical location of the rock should also be use... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is a Rock Identification Key?
A: A rock identification key is a system used to identify rocks. It's usually in the form of a chart or table with several common descriptive properties of ro... Full Answer >Filed Under:
